What Students and Alumni Have to Say

Alan Lovewell

Alan Lovewell

Alumnus

Why the Middlebury Institute?
I wanted to work on ocean health and management issues, and the Institute exposed me to innovative ideas and solutions. People at the Institute are passionate about creating positive change!

What now?
I started a company called Real Good Fish based on a business plan a few colleagues and I wrote in our first semester.

Anna Galbraith

Anna Galbraith

Student

Why the Middlebury Institute?
I wanted to foster the skills I learned living abroad into something marketable. Here I can continue using my Spanish and also gain hands-on experience with the education practicum.

What makes the Institute special?
I get to have class with some of the most dynamic people I’ve ever met and to learn from professors who are generous with their time and knowledge.

DJ Watts

DJ Watts

Alumnus

Why the Middlebury Institute?
I wanted to build on my language skills and study subjects that affect the world.

What makes the Institute special?
It’s pretty wild how a school this small has students from so many places. Most of us have lived or traveled to several countries, and for those who haven’t yet, they get the kind of exposure that make them want to. This helps everyone become more globally conscious.

Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja

Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja

Alumna

What made the Institute special?
I came to strengthen my interpretation skills and found so much more: inspiring mentors, community support, and great career opportunities. I know my hard work and dedication will help me get wherever I want.

What now?
I’m an associate product manager at Box, where I help users in different countries collaborate by making products available in 17 languages.

James Slaton

James Slaton

Student

Why the Middlebury Institute?
While in Romania with the Navy, I started a nonprofit to help local orphans with educational and professional opportunities. At the Institute, I could study both practical and theoretical applications of teaching and linguistics in the foreign language classroom.

What’s next?
I’d like to return to Romania and expand my nonprofit so we can provide English instruction and funding for postsecondary educational opportunities.

Jorge Silva

Jorge Silva

Alumnus

Why the Middlebury Institute?
The people I met and the tremendous diversity of their backgrounds and experiences helped me understand issues from different points of view.

What now?
After working for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, I became vice president for communications at the Latino Victory Project. I set the tone for the organization and guide messaging for media consultants and politicians in Washington, D.C.

Kyle Pilutti

Kyle Pilutti

Student

Why the Middlebury Institute?
I wanted to study NPTS while continuing with my Arabic, and the Institute has amazing faculty and far-reaching connections.

What’s next?
I hope to focus on international nonproliferation efforts from a position in an international organization, such as the IAEA, or from a national position, such as in the State Department or a National Laboratory.

Lisa Li

Lisa Li

Student

Why the Middlebury Institute?
I studied tourism in Beijing, where I’m from. The Institute offers a translation and localization management degree that combines language studies with technology—plus great career opportunities. Not to mention beautiful scenery right outside your door!

What now?
I manage localization projects for a company that offers online early childhood education solutions.

Lan Li

Lan Li

Alumna

What made the Institute special?
I went to Tokyo with a group studying foreign policy, trade, and security. I was there to provide simultaneous interpretation for the speakers who addressed the class. It was an amazing real-world opportunity to practice my profession.

What now?
I’m an interpreter and translator for Faraday Future, an innovative company making high-performance electric vehicles.